HIGHLIGHTS New Zealand vs England, England in New Zealand 3 T20I Series 2025, 1st T20- Result, Scorecard

Right then, that’s all we have from this called-off, yet entertaining game. It's still 0-0, and both New Zealand and England will be eager to take the lead in the next one, and hopefully rain stays away. The second T20I is set for 20th October, Monday, once again at the Hagley Oval. The action begins at 6.15 am GMT, but make sure to join us early for all the pre-match build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Mitchell Santner, the captain of New Zealand, says that there was a little bit in the wicket as they thought of bowling first. Shares that the guys started very well with the new ball, and it was a good all-round performance from the boys. Adds that they will be playing on different surfaces in India, and traditionally, it will be slow but flat surfaces. They will head to Sri Lanka as well, but before that, they want to win this series and make the fans happy. Closes by sharing that it was challenging on the field but nice to be back with the lads.

Harry Brook, the skipper of England says that the wicket did a bit to start with. Adds that the Kiwi bowlers are pretty skilled and experienced, especially Matt Henry, who made the most of it. Adds that they wanted to adapt to the situation, but with the batting depth they have, they thought they could go for it all the way. Says that they have got some powerful batters in the ranks and can always accelerate at the back end. Tells that they want to be quicker to adapt to the situation as a unit. Mentions that he is enjoying his time leading the side, and they have a great bunch of lads. Ends by saying that they have had a good time in New Zealand and are looking forward to the next game.

Time to hear from the two captains now...

Earlier in the game, England huffed and puffed their way to a competitive total, with Sam Curran’s unbeaten 49 being the top score. Jos Buttler and Harry Brook made useful contributions as well, but regular wickets and the lack of any big partnerships hurt their momentum. New Zealand, on the other hand, put on an excellent all-round bowling display - all six bowlers chipped in with a wicket each and kept the scoring under control to restrict a strong English batting lineup. However, that was all the action that we could get in this game, as it started raining during the innings break, and we never managed to get back out there.

Well, well, well! The handshakes are done, and it’s official - MATCH ABANDONED! Not the result anyone wanted, but with time running out, the rain gods have had the final say. A real pity, as this was shaping up to be an exciting contest. New Zealand will be the more disappointed side, having restricted England to 153/6 and backing themselves to chase it down to take the lead. England, on the other hand, might feel they were a few runs short but will gladly take a share of the spoils.

While we wait, let's hear from James Neesham, who is down having an interview with Shane Bond. He says that not having a central contract with New Zealand and playing both franchise and international cricket has been the best of both worlds. Adds that at 35 and at the back end of his career, he wants as much freedom as possible, and then also being available for the big ICC events for New Zealand, he wants to give his best too. Mentions that when he first played for his country 10-12 years back, the conditions in countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were a bit unknown, but now with leagues like BPL, you get to have an idea and share it with the group. Says that as far as goals go, there are two World Cups coming in the next two years, so he would love to be part of them. Further adds that the most difficult thing is to balance time with family. Tells that earlier it used to be like 7-8 months with one set of players and coaches, but now it is much shorter, a few drinks or a golf session, and then they go their separate ways. Says that they have worked a lot on the environment over the years. When he was young, it was much more like tough love, but now that is not the case, and young players like Rachin Ravindra and Tim Robinson feel more welcome into the team.

UPDATE - 8.54 am GMT - The umpires are making their way out to the middle again, but with umbrellas, and are having a chat with the ground staff. Also, a few people in the crowd are heading back home. Do they know something we don't? Probably! However, the cut-off time for a 5-over contest is 9.33 am GMT, so we still have a bit of time. Fingers crossed!

UPDATE - 8.39 am GMT - More umbrellas go up in the crowd as the rain has gotten even heavier now, in fact, it is pelting down at the moment. The ground staff are also bringing in more covers, which is never a good sign. The waiting game continues...

UPDATE - 8.30 am GMT - The on-field umpires are out in the middle now. They are having a chat with the fourth umpire, who is holding up an umbrella, but the rain has slowed down a bit. Also, the big cover from the square is being removed now, and only the pitch is covered. SCRATCH THAT! The big cover is back on now and it looks like the umpires are also not fully satisfied with the outfield. Stick with us for more news.

UPDATE - 8.21 am GMT - Uh..oh! We might be in for a bit longer mid-break because the rain is back here at the Hagley Oval. The covers are on, and it looks a bit heavy, but there is also a wind blowing across, which indicates this could fade away soon. Stay tuned for further updates.

Chasing 154 for victory, New Zealand will be confident, but they'll need to bat smartly and make the most of the short boundaries to secure a 1-0 lead. Can the Black Caps pull it off, or will the England bowlers come out firing? We’ll find out soon. Join us shortly for the second innings.

Matt Henry of New Zealand is up for a quick chat. He says that playing cricket this early was always going to be a bit of unknown. Adds that they knew they would get some lateral movement and the wicket is on the slower side. Mentions that the batters just need to back themselves and they have enough firepower to get the job done. Says that it is about absorbing the pressure and putting back on the opponents. Ends by saying that he is looking forward to the chase.

It was a collective effort from the New Zealand bowlers, with all six used on the night picking up a wicket each. Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Mitchell Santner stood out, combining for 12 overs, conceding just 73 runs, and claiming three wickets between them. Duffy started well but was a bit expensive toward the end.

England produced an excellent recovery to post a fighting total of 153/6 on a tricky pitch for batting. After being asked to bat first, they got off to a shaky start, losing Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell within the Powerplay. Jos Buttler and Harry Brook showed promise with brief cameos, but both fell after getting decent starts. The innings was steadied by Sam Curran, who anchored from one end with a composed unbeaten 49 off 35 deliveries, guiding England past the 150-run mark and giving their bowlers something to work with.

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Jacob Duffy to Sam Curran, FOUR! A STREAKY BOUNDARY TO CLOSE THE INNINGS! Slower, short-of-a-good-length delivery, pushed across the batter. Curran swings hard, gets the outside edge that goes past the short third fielder for four runs. England finish with 153/6.

Jacob Duffy to Sam Curran, Slower ball, into the pitch, and around off. Curran slices the cut uppishly, toward the deep backward point region for two more.

Jacob Duffy to Sam Curran, WIDE! Pitched full, and pushed across the tramline. Curran plays and misses. Wide given.

Jacob Duffy to Sam Curran, SIX! SMOKED! Low full toss on the middle. Curran picks it early and dispatches it over the deep square leg fence for a much needed hit.

Jacob Duffy to Sam Curran, FOUR! VALUABLE RUNS! Slower, back-of-a-length delivery, around off. Curran stays deep in the crease and forces the hack over the infield, toward long off for a boundary. Mitchell makes a valiant attempt coming from long on but fails to stop it.

Jacob Duffy to Sam Curran, Full-length delivery on the middle and leg. Curran mistimes the whip toward the deep mid-wicket region for a couple.

Jacob Duffy to Sam Curran, Fuller than a length and pushed across the batter. Curran swings and misses. A dot to start the final over.

Jacob Duffy (3-0-26-1)  to bowl the final over for New Zealand. Can Sam Curran take England past 150? Let's find out.

Kyle Jamieson to Sam Curran, Low full toss on the middle. Curran flicks it toward deep mid-wicket and settles for a single. Just seven runs coming off the penultimate over.

Kyle Jamieson to Sam Curran, Slower bumper, just outside off. Curran hangs back to play the upper cut but does not connect.

Kyle Jamieson to Sam Curran, Full-length delivery, on the middle and leg stump line. Curran shuffles across to play the scoop but misses and is pinned in front. Appeal from the bowler and up goes the finger. Curran goes for the review. The ball tracking shows it is pitching outside the leg stump. Curran survives a close shout.

Kyle Jamieson to Brydon Carse, Full and at the sticks, almost a yorker. Carse makes room and bunts it down to long on for one.

Kyle Jamieson to Sam Curran, Slower and shorter on off. Sam Curran pulls it to deep mid-wicket and settles with one.

Kyle Jamieson to Sam Curran, Pitched full, on the middle. Curran whips it uppishly toward the deep mid-wicket region for a couple.

Kyle Jamieson to Sam Curran, NO BALL! Full-length delivery in the blockhole. Curran misses the clip, gets the inside edge onto the pad, and it rolls toward the keeper. Oh No! Kyle Jamieson has overstepped here. No ball given. Free hit coming up.

Kyle Jamieson to Sam Curran, WIDE! Jamieson bowls it full and follows the batter down the leg. Curran shuffles across and looks to flick but he misses. Wide to start the penultimate over.

Matt Henry to Sam Curran, IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Full-length delivery outside off. Curran slices the drive and it goes straight to the deep point fielder, where Tim Robinson shells down a sitter. Single taken by Curran. England are 127/6 with two overs left.

Matt Henry to Brydon Carse, Slower and shorter, around off. Carse was settling to play the pull initially but changes his mind and upper cuts it toward the deep third region for a single.

Matt Henry to Sam Curran, Low full toss outside off. Curran drills it toward extra cover and takes a single.

Matt Henry to Sam Curran, Yorker length delivery on the leg. Curran clips off the toe toward the long leg region for two more.

Matt Henry to Sam Curran, Pitched full, on the middle. Curran works it through the mid-wicket region and scampers back for the second.

Matt Henry to Sam Curran, FOUR! MUCH NEEDED! Back of a length, outside off. Curran throws his hand and slices the cut over the backward point region for a boundary to start the over.

Kyle Jamieson to Sam Curran, Pitched full, around off. Curran drills it to deep point for a single.

Kyle Jamieson to Brydon Carse, Back of a length, just outside off. Carse rides the bounce and dabs down to deep third for one.

Brydon Carse comes in at number 8.

Kyle Jamieson to Jordan Cox, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Kyle Jamieson gets among the wickets. Bowls a scrambled seam delivery on a fullish length, on the middle. Cox miscues it high toward the long on region. Daryl Mitchell comes in from the ropes and takes a simple catch. England are in a spot of bother.

Kyle Jamieson to Jordan Cox, FOUR! SMASHED! Low full toss, outside off. Cox dispatches it over the wide mid off region for a thumping boundary.

UPDATE  - Good news, folks! The rain has stopped. Covers are off, and the umpires, along with the players from both sides, make their way to resume the remainder of the innings. No overs are lost. It will be Jordan Cox and Sam Curran to continue the batting for England, while Kyle Jamieson will finish his incomplete over. Let's go...

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

UPDATE - 7.35 GMT - The drizzle has intensified, prompting the umpires to call for the covers. Players are making their way off the field. Fingers crossed, it's just a brief interruption, and play can resume shortly.

Kyle Jamieson to Jordan Cox, Very full, outside the off-stump line. Cox tries to reach out and squeeze through the covers but fails to connect.

Kyle Jamieson to Sam Curran, Back of a length, on middle. Curran pulls it through square leg for one.

It has started to drizzle at Hagley Oval and the ground staff are getting ready with the covers near the ropes.

Jacob Duffy to Sam Curran, IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Slower, back-of-a-length delivery, pushed across the batter. Curran miscues the pull into the short mid-wicket region, where Duffy shells the chance off his bowling. He never looked like taking it, and the ball wobbled a bit in the air, which made it even harder for him. Curran gets a run and a life as well!

Jacob Duffy to Sam Curran, FOUR LEG BYES! Fuller than a length, angling down the leg. Curran misses the flick and it helps off the pad, rolls past the keeper, runs down to fine leg for four leg byes.

Jacob Duffy to Jordan Cox, Slower and shorter, on the middle stump line. Cox mistimes the pull through square leg and picks one.

Jacob Duffy to Jordan Cox, FOUR! CLEVER BATTING! Full and at the stumps. Cox gets across the line and helps it over the man at short fine leg for a boundary. 100 up for England!

Jacob Duffy to Sam Curran, Short of a good length, scrambled seam delivery on off. Curran waits back and dabs it down to short third for a single.

Jacob Duffy to Jordan Cox, Slower back of a length delivery, on the middle and leg. Cox pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Tad short, around off. Curran goes back and pulls hard but finds the man at short mid-wicket. End of a tidy spell from Santner.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Darted full, on the middle and leg. Curran moves across and jams into the leg side.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, SIX! UP AND OVER! Fired in full, on off. Curran steps across and pumps it over the bowler, toward the sight screen for a much needed hit.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Flatter and quicker on the middle and leg. Curran hits it to the man at short mid-wicket.

Mitchell Santner to Jordan Cox, Slower through the air, and outside off. Cox reaches for it but slices the cut toward deep cover for one.

Mitchell Santner to Jordan Cox, Tad short, outside off. Cox cuts it to the man at short extra cover.

Michael Bracewell to Jordan Cox, Tossed up full, on off. Cox knocks it down to long on for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Loopy delivery on the full, spins a tad around off. Curran looks to swing across the line, gets the outside edge toward short third for one.

Michael Bracewell to Jordan Cox, Very full, on the middle and leg. Cox backs away and bunts it to the right of the bowler for one.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Tosses it on a length and outside off. Curran mistimes the cut toward extra cover and crosses for one.

Michael Bracewell to Jordan Cox, Tossed up full, on off. Cox eases this to long on for one.

Michael Bracewell to Jordan Cox, Flatter delivery, at the stumps. Cox knocks it back to the bowler.

Kyle Jamieson to Jordan Cox, Pitched full, on the leg. Cox flicks it around the corner for a run.

Kyle Jamieson to Jordan Cox, Another dot, excellent delivery on the full, just outside off. Cox looks to squeeze it away but misses.

Kyle Jamieson to Jordan Cox, Yorker length delivery, just outside off. Cox jams into the off-side. Three dots in a row.

Kyle Jamieson to Jordan Cox, Good length delivery at the stumps. Driven back to the bowler who stops in his follow-through.

Kyle Jamieson to Jordan Cox, Slower ball on the full, on off. Cox is early into the drive and hits it on the bounce to the mid off fielder.

Kyle Jamieson to Sam Curran, Length ball on the leg. Curran works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Floated full, around off. Curran pushes it down to long off for one.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, In the air and safe! Curran looks to work this fullish ball into the leg-side and closes the bat-face early. Fortunately for the batter, the leading edge doesn't carry to extra cover.

Michael Bracewell to Jordan Cox, Tossed up on the middle and leg. Cox flicks it through mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

Jordan Cox walks in at number 7.

Michael Bracewell to Jos Buttler, OUT! CAUGHT! Michael Bracewell gets the big fish! Tossed up full, on off. Buttler shimmies down and looks to launch it over the bowler. Fails to get the timing and the distance, goes high toward straightish long off, where Matt Henry runs around and takes a sharp catch. Buttler walks back for  29 off 25, and England have lost half of their side now.

Michael Bracewell to Jos Buttler, Fuller and quicker, on the middle and leg. Buttler nudges it toward short fine leg and a fumble from Jamieson allows the batters to take two.

Michael Bracewell to Sam Curran, Tossed up full, around off. Curran drives it to the man at short extra cover. A misfield, and the batters cross for a single.

Michael Bracewell comes onto roll his arm.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Flatter delivery, angled into the middle and leg. Curran knocks it down to long on for one.

Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Pushed through fuller, at the sticks. Buttler looks to drive, gets the inside edge onto the pad, it rolls into covers and they take one.

Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Flatter arm ball, angled in on off. Buttler prods and knocks it into covers.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, On a length, on the middle. Punched down to long on for a single to get off the mark.

Mitchell Santner to Sam Curran, Flatter and quicker delivery, on the leg pole. Sam Curran pats it down to the man at short mid-wicket.

Sam Curran comes in at number 6.

Mitchell Santner to Tom Banton, OUT! TAKEN! Mitchell Santner gets among the wickets! Tosses it on a length, on the middle stump line. Banton shimmies down and looks to clear the long on boundary. Gets the height but does not get the distance and is caught by James Neesham near the ropes. England lose their fourth wicket now.

TIME FOR DRINKS! New Zealand have kept things tight so far, taking regular wickets to maintain control. Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy have been the standout bowlers, consistently applying pressure. The hosts will look to maintain this momentum through the remainder of the innings. England, meanwhile, will need a solid partnership and will be relying on Jos Buttler to anchor the innings if they hope to surpass the 170 mark.

James Neesham to Tom Banton, Low full toss, just outside off. Banton bunts it toward extra cover and takes a quick single.

James Neesham to Tom Banton, Slower, back of a length, around the hip. Banton tucks it round the corner, toward short fine leg for none.

James Neesham to Tom Banton, FOUR! UP AND OVER! Pitched full, on the middle and leg. Banton makes room and lifts it just over the man at mid off for a thumping boundary.

James Neesham to Jos Buttler, LEG BYE! Slower length ball, on the middle and leg. Jos Buttler tucks it off the pad toward square leg for a leg bye.

James Neesham to Jos Buttler, Short of a good length on off. Jos Buttler gets behind the line and dabs it toward backward point.

James Neesham to Tom Banton, Pitched full, on off. Tom Banton drives it toward mid-off and takes a single.

Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Slower through the air, on a length, outside off. Jos Buttler chops into the off-side.

Mitchell Santner to Tom Banton, Flatter arm ball, on the middle and leg. Tom Banton shimmies down and works it through the leg side for one.

Mitchell Santner to Tom Banton, Tossed up full, on off. Tom Banton chips it toward the deep cover region for a couple.

Mitchell Santner to Tom Banton, Flighted full, on off. Banton pushes it to the man at short cover.

Mitchell Santner to Tom Banton, Loopy delivery, just outside off. Banton prods and defends into covers.

Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Tossed up on off. Buttler hits it down to long on for a single.

Tom Banton comes in at number 5.

James Neesham to Harry Brook, OUT! BOWLED'EM! James Neesham gets the big wicket of the English skipper! Bowls a slower delivery, on a length and outside the leg stump line. Brook makes space to tuck it through the leg side, but he misses. The ball clips the back pad and ricochets onto the stumps. An unlucky dismissal but Brook is a goner. England are three down.

James Neesham to Jos Buttler, Short of a good length, just outside off. Jos Buttler knocks it through the gap at covers for a single.

James Neesham to Harry Brook, Back of a length delivery on the middle stump line. Brook tucks it through mid-wicket and settles for one.

James Neesham to Harry Brook, SIX! HELPED AWAY! Short of a good length, follows the batter outside the leg stump line. Brook makes room and whips it nonchalanty over the long leg boundary for half a dozen.

James Neesham to Harry Brook, Neesham goes full, angling just past the leg pole. Brook gets across to play the scoop but falls over and fails to connect.

James Neesham to Harry Brook, SIX! STAND AND DELIVER! Good-length delivery, at the stumps. Harry Brook makes space and lofts it cleanly over the long off boundary for half a dozen.

James Neesham gets the ball now.

Mitchell Santner to Harry Brook, Floated full, on the middle. Brook shimmies down and hits it toward wide long on for a run. 50 comes up for England at the end of the 7th over.

Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Slower through the air, and outside off. Buttler cuts it to deep cover for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Harry Brook, Flatter arm ball, on the middle. Brook tucks it through mid-wicket and settles for one.

Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Flatter and just outside off. Buttler makes room and knocks it through cover-point for a single.

Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Flighted full, on the middle and leg. Buttler nudges it in the gap at mid-wicket, takes a couple.

Mitchell Santner to Jos Buttler, Tossed up delivery on off. Buttler prods and defends into the short cover region.

Mitchell Santner brings himself into the attack after the Poweplay.

Kyle Jamieson to Jos Buttler, Slower ball on a fullish length, on the leg. Buttler clips it to deep square leg for one.

Kyle Jamieson to Harry Brook, Pace off delivery on the full, on the middle and leg. Brook flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Kyle Jamieson to Harry Brook, Short of a good length and follows the batter, outside the leg stump. Harry Brook makes room and defends it back to the bowler.

Kyle Jamieson to Jos Buttler, Slower, dipping low full toss on the leg pole. Jos Buttler makes room and bunts it toward mid off for a single.

Kyle Jamieson to Jos Buttler, FOUR MORE! Cheeky and Effective! Short of a good length, on the middle. Jos Buttler shuffles across and scoops it over the keeper to fine leg for a clever boundary.

Kyle Jamieson to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Jamieson is greeted in style! Bowls it on a length, on the leg stump line. Jos Buttler comes forward and clips it toward the deep mid-wicket region, one bounce and over the ropes.

Kyle Jamieson comes into the attack.

Matt Henry to Harry Brook, FOUR! PUT AWAY! Brook spoils the over for Henry! Good length delivery on off. Harry Brook picks it early and whacks it to the left of the deep square leg fielder for a boundary to get off the mark.

Matt Henry to Harry Brook, Pitched full, on off. Harry Brook gets on the front foot and drives toward mid off.

Matt Henry to Harry Brook, Three dots in a row! Back of a length delivery, around the hip. Harry Brook looks to tuck and misses, it lobs off the thigh pad and falls into the leg side.

Matt Henry to Harry Brook, Lands it on a length, and nips past the leg stump line. Harry Brook advances to flay through covers but is beaten by the inward movement.

Matt Henry to Harry Brook, A loud appeal, but the umpire turns it down. Henry bowls a full-length delivery, on the middle and leg stump line, shaping in a bit. Harry Brook looks to flick it across the line, but misses and gets pinned in front. New Zealand takes the review. The Ball Tracking shows it as wickets missing and Brook stays on. New Zealand lose their review.

Harry Brook walks in at number 4.

Matt Henry to Jacob Bethell, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Matt Henry strikes! Bowls it short, around off. Jacob Bethell looks to take on the pull but miscues it straight up in the air. Henry settles under it and takes a simple catch. Bethell departs for a scratchy 15. England lose their second.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Slower full ball on the middle. Jacob Bethell eases it toward mid on for a single.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! BELTED! Short of a good length, around off. Jacob Bethell picks it early and dispatches the pull toward the deep mid-wicket region for four runs.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, SIX! Bethell breaks the shackles! Fuller in length, on off. Jacob Bethell shimmies down the pitch and launches it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Back-of-a-length delivery again, angling across the batter. Jacob Bethell throws his hand to cut but does not connect.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Back of a length delivery, around off. Jacob Bethell miscues the pull toward the cow-corner region for a brace.

Jacob Duffy to Jos Buttler, Hard length delivery, on the middle and leg stump line. Jos Buttler tucks this to deep square leg for a single.

Jacob Duffy to Jos Buttler, WIDE! Duffy loses his radar! Bowls it on a hard length, angling down the leg. Jos Buttler lets it go. Wide to start the over.

Matt Henry to Jacob Bethell, Bethell finally gets off the mark. Back of a length delivery, around the hip. Jacob Bethell tucks this through the backward square leg region and takes a couple.

Matt Henry to Jacob Bethell, Back of a length delivery now, outside off. Jacob Bethell shimmies down and looks to cut but does not connect. Six dots now for Bethell.

Matt Henry to Jacob Bethell, Fuller than a good length, around off. Jacob Bethell drives it on the up toward the man at mid-off.

Matt Henry to Jacob Bethell, Short of a good length, nips away, around off. Jacob Bethell has a poke at it and gets beaten.

Matt Henry to Jacob Bethell, Fuller than a good length, shapes away after pitching. Jacob Bethell looks to drive on the up but is beaten by the movement.

Matt Henry to Jos Buttler, Back of a length on off. Jos Buttler tucks it through backward square leg for a single.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Duffy bowls it fuller than a good length and pushes it well across the batter. Bethell looks to drive but misses. A successful over for Jacob Duffy.

Jacob Duffy to Jacob Bethell, Skiddy length ball, around off. Jacob Bethell looks to cut but it comes off the outside edge and rolls to the man at short third.

Jacob Bethell walks in at number 3.

Jacob Duffy to Phil Salt, OUT! CAUGHT! Jacob Duffy draws first blood! Bowls it back of a length, hard into the pitch, and gets it to move a touch, around off. Phil Salt tries to force the pull through the leg side but gets the outside edge that flies toward deep third. Mark Chapman comes in from the boundary and takes a good low catch diving forward. England are rocked early.

Jacob Duffy to Phil Salt, Short of a good length, angled into the middle and leg. Phil Salt pulls it through the square leg region and takes a couple.

Jacob Duffy to Jos Buttler, Lands it on a length, on off. Jos Buttler advances down the pitch and hits on the bounce toward wide mid-off for a single.

Jacob Duffy to Jos Buttler, Pitched full, just outside off, and shapes away after pitching. Jos Buttler falls over to flick through the leg side but is beaten by the late swing.

Jacob Duffy will share the attack.

Matt Henry to Phil Salt, Henry bowls it on a good length and gets it to nip back in, just outside off. Phil Salt flays and misses. End of an eventful first over.

Matt Henry to Jos Buttler, Lands it on a length, on off. Jos Buttler taps it toward the point fielder and calls for a run. Tim Robinson collects and has a shy at the sticks. Since there was no one backing up, the batters take the single with ease.

Matt Henry to Jos Buttler, BEATEN! Bowls it on a good length, swings away, around off. Jos Buttler looks to drive but is beaten on the outside edge.

Matt Henry to Jos Buttler, SIX! ALL THE WAY! Jos Buttler is up and running! On a length, on off. Jos Buttler goes through with the shot and heaves it over the deep mid-wicket fence for the first biggie of the game.

Matt Henry to Jos Buttler, Back of a length delivery, angling down the leg. Jos Buttler shuffles in the crease to tuck it through the leg side but misses.

Matt Henry to Phil Salt, In the air but safe! Matt Henry gets some movement straightaway! Bowls it on a good length, swings away a tad around off. Phil Salt looks to work it through the on-side, gets a leading edge that flies over backward point fielder for a single.

Done with the pre-match formalities. All set now for the action to commence. Out come the dynamic England's opening duo in Phil Salt and Jos Buttler. It will be Matt Henry to begin with the ball for New Zealand. Let's play...

A traditional ceremony welcomes both sides, and the match officials along with the players line up for the national anthems. It will be England's anthem first, followed by that of New Zealand. Live action is coming shortly.

Harry Brook, the England skipper, says that they would have had a bowl as well. Adds that they have some stats that said it's 50-50 either way. Mentions that T20 is their main focus with the World Cup coming up in a few months. Shares that they always name their team early to give players a bit of freedom and to let them prepare for the game.

Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand skipper, wins the toss and opts to bowl. Says that there is a bit of grass on the surface, but they have to be smart with the wind. Adds that he expects the wicket to play pretty well, but they would like to see if there is something early on. Opines that they were close in the Australia series and played good cricket. Shares that England bat deep and they will try to take wickets. Ends by adding that they have to be smart with the ball and make them hit to the big side as much as possible.

Landmark alert - English skipper, Harry Brook will be playing his 50th T20I in English colours.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tim Seifert (WK), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (C), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

England (Playing XI) - Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.

Toss - New Zealand have won the toss and opted to BOWL.

With both teams stacked with talent and hungry for a winning start, this promises to be a thrilling opening clash. So, who will strike first, the visitors or the Black Caps on home soil? Toss and team news coming up shortly. Stay tuned!

New Zealand, on the other hand, welcomes back Mitchell Santner as captain after recovering from injury. Their batting revolves around Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, and Daryl Mitchell, all capable of turning a game on its head. The all-round depth is further boosted by Michael Bracewell and Jimmy Neesham, while the bowling attack, led by Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy, is well-supported by Kyle Jamieson and Zak Foulkes. 

England will be led by Harry Brook, returning to the side after sitting out the Ireland series. The top order features firepower with Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, and Tom Banton. The bowling unit is packed with pace and spin options, including Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, Luke Wood, and Sonny Baker. Versatile all-rounders Liam Dawson and Sam Curran add balance, while the likes of Zak Crawley, Jamie Overton, and Rehan Ahmed are exciting prospects ready to make their mark. 

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the first T20I in the three-match series between New Zealand and England, from the iconic Hagley Oval in Christchurch. New Zealand will be eager to bounce back after a recent series defeat to Australia, while England arrives with momentum, having drawn their series against South Africa and clinched a win over Ireland. Expect fireworks from both sides.

…MATCHDAY…

When cricket’s grand stage calls from faraway lands, there is no sterner measure of character than taking on rivals on their home turf. England’s white-ball squad now sets forth on a New Zealand expedition, a white-ball series destined to reveal the resilient and reward the bold. The journey begins with three T20Is, followed by as many ODIs, the opening duels set in Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city and the proud heart of Canterbury cricket. Celebrated as the Garden City, with Hagley Park at its core and the Southern Alps standing sentinel beyond, Christchurch offers an enchanting yet testing stage where skill and temperament must walk hand in hand. Though England’s fortunes in the longer white-ball format have wavered, their T20 form remains formidable. With just one series loss in their last seven bilateral series, they arrive fresh from an impressive Irish tour, guided by the youthful leadership of Harry Brook. Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, England’s standout performers in 2025 in this format, particularly, carry both form and fire into these southern conditions. Joining them is Jordan Cox, rewarded for his prolific run in The Hundred, alongside the explosive Tom Banton, forming a lineup rich in flair. There’s ample experience within England’s ranks, with the seasoned Sam Curran and Liam Dawson providing stability and craft, seamlessly complementing the youthful exuberance of emerging talents like Jacob Bethell. The youngster will be eager to leave a lasting impression and strengthen his credentials ahead of the upcoming Ashes. In the bowling department, England enjoy a wealth of options with a strong spin trio. Luke Wood and Brydon Carse stand out as key figures in pace, while the promising Sonny Baker adds freshness to the attack. After an underwhelming start to his T20I career, Baker will be keen to make this series his statement of intent. But ritually, as they do, England have already announced their playing XI in advance and the ones missing out are Rehan, Baker, Overton, and Crawley. In the New Zealand camp, the spotlight shines on the returning Rachin Ravindra, though the hosts continue to grapple with the absence of several senior players through injury. Even so, the squad carries a balanced look and remains every bit as formidable. Mitchell Santner takes the reins, with Michael Bracewell partnering him in the spin unit, while the pace attack boasts the quartet of Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Zakary Foulkes. Dangerous and unpredictable in home conditions. Among the batters, Tim Robinson stands out as one to watch. Still early in his international journey, the young right-hander has already made headlines with a century against Australia and now looks ready to build on that promise. The rest of the group remains largely the same. The overarching strategy for both sides pivots on aggressive intent and the utility of multi-skilled players, an approach perfectly calibrated for the compact boundaries and swift wickets that typify New Zealand's cricketing landscape. This is far more than just a bilateral clash, as it serves as a critical barometer for both teams, offering a valuable opportunity to test skills, form, and consistency ahead of the next year’s major T20 World Cup. These two cricketing nations have a longstanding history of producing fiercely contested and engaging fixtures. Though the Kiwis trail 10-16 in their overall head-to-head record and 4-8 in home conditions, they remain a formidable force on their own soil. This also marks England’s first T20I tour to New Zealand since 2019, a series that culminated in an unforgettable Super Over in Auckland, a reminder of just how fine the margins can be when these two sides collide. This will be just the second T20I encounter between the two sides at Hagley Oval, where New Zealand will look to even the ledger after their defeat to England in 2019. Yet for all their dominance at home, England’s form on foreign soil has been far from flawless, having lost three of their last five T20I series away, something they’ll be eager to set right. Spring in New Zealand comes with its own dual personality. The sun burns bright through the mornings and afternoons, leaving jumpers slung casually around waists, but once twilight creeps in, the temperature drops without warning, and layers become a lifeline. At Hagley Oval, the wind sweeps in with an edge that spares no one. Under the lights, as hands retreat into pockets and breath turns visible, both players and spectators will be reminded that these night T20Is belong to the bold, and of course, well wrapped. But as they say, 'He who can weather the storm, earns the sunrise'. So, buckle up, as this has all the ingredients for a thrilling and a spicy white-ball series.